CHS IS FAVORED TO WIN 4A DISTRICT

Cape Central girls track coach Lawrence Brookins has watched both the boys and girls track teams win every meet this season, so he knows they have the ability to win Saturday's Class 4A, District 1 meet at Jackson.

Knowing that, Brookins warned the group to not get nervous, to avoid BMS -- big meet syndrome.

Based on previous performances, Cape Central's track teams are favored to win yet another district tournament.

The girls are aiming for their fifth straight title, while the boys will try for their sixth straight.

Individually, the top four competitors in each event advance to sectionals. Field events will begin at 11 a.m. with the sprint preliminaries to get underway at 11:30. The meet will likely run until about 6 p.m.

Central may not win as easily as it has in previous meets this season, particularly on the boys' side.

Although Poplar Bluff -- a team which Central has beaten four times this season -- figures to be its closest competition, the Tigers' strength this season has been its depth.

According to Jackson coach Bob Sink, depth may not be as big of an advantage on Saturday, with 12 schools and 250-300 athletes participating.

Schools involved in the district meet include: Cape Central, Jackson, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, Farmington, Hillsboro, Fox, Northwest, House Springs, Mehlville and Oakville and Seckman.

"Particularly in the bigger meets with teams who have quality competitors, it takes away depth advantage," Sink said. "A weak field doesn't so much, but there are some teams with some outstanding competitors."

Central boys coach Jerry Dement was confident about his team's chances. But, he said, the meet may be closer simply because he wants his individuals to do what they do best.

"We give our kids two things: a chance to win it as a team and a chance for them to move on to the next round. We want our kids to run their best event. We may shuffle some events around and that may make it a closer meet. But if we do well, we'll have a good chance. One thing which we've really come up on is our throwing events.

"We're taking this meet seriously. It's always tough and people are always gunning for you. You have to perform on that day. But we have a chance to repeat if we have a good day."

Likewise on the girls side, Central's depth may be less of an edge, but Brookins is confident with the quality of his athletes.

"Our girls have a really good chance," Brookins said. "We have the potential to score in about every event. There's not many events that we don't have a chance to do extremely well. I'm not real concerned about depth."

"I think it will be competitive, but you have to give Central the edge on the girls side," Jackson coach Bob Sink said. "Farmington has a strong team and I feel we have a strong team.

"Cape Central has to be the favorite on the boys side too with their depth. But Poplar Bluff has some very good athletes."